Acne & Acne Scarring
Personalized treatment for acne, dark spots, and acne scarring—with specialized expertise in melanin-rich skin. In-person care in Vinings, Atlanta, and virtual appointments throughout Georgia.
Clearer Skin Starts With Personalized Acne Care
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and in patients with darker skin tones, it carries a second burden that is often overlooked: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH. The dark spots left behind after acne heals can be as distressing as the acne itself, and treating them requires a very different approach than treating lighter skin. Dr. Christina Marcelus is a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in acne and acne scarring in patients of all skin tones, with particular expertise in melanin-rich skin. Cutis MD Dermatology serves patients throughout Vinings, Buckhead, Cumberland, and greater Atlanta.
What is Acne?
Acne is an inflammatory condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts.
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or diet alone. Sebum production, follicular occlusion, bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations may all play a role.
Comedonal acne
Blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
Inflammatory acne
Red or tender papules and pustules.
Hormonal acne
Often concentrated along the jawline and lower face.
Nodulocystic acne
Deeper, more painful lesions with a greater risk of scarring.
Acne in Skin of Color—
Why the stakes are higher…
Every pimple, cyst, or inflamed lesion is a potential dark mark. In patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI, the inflammatory response of acne almost always triggers melanin overproduction in the surrounding skin — leaving behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that can persist for months to years after the acne itself has resolved. For many patients with darker skin tones, the dark spots become the primary complaint.
This is why treating acne in patients with melanin-rich skin requires a strategy from the start that accounts for PIH prevention — not just acne control. Aggressive treatments that cause significant irritation may clear acne while leaving behind more hyperpigmentation. Dr. Marcelus approaches acne treatment with this reality in mind from day one.
Acne Scarring
Beyond dark spots, acne can leave behind textural changes. Scar patterns vary and require tailored treatment.
Schedule
Day 1As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
DAY 2Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead.
DAY 3This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points.
DAY 4We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum.
DAY 5As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about acne, PIH, and treatment.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the dark discoloration that can remain after acne inflammation heals. It is especially common in melanin-rich skin, so treatment should address active acne while minimizing irritation and preventing new dark marks.
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The goal is the opposite. Dr. Marcelus selects acne treatments with skin-of-color safety in mind and adjusts strength, frequency, and supportive skincare to control breakouts without unnecessary irritation that can worsen hyperpigmentation.
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Many patients begin seeing fewer breakouts within six to eight weeks, but acne plans often need several months for their full effect. Dark marks and acne scars usually improve more gradually, and your timeline depends on acne severity, treatment consistency, and skin response.
Ready to Start Your Acne Treatment Plan?
Our team at Cutis MD is here to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin with personalized, pigment-conscious care. In-person appointments are available in Vinings/Atlanta, with virtual consultations throughout Georgia.
